History YMMV / SuperMarioBros2

* TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodCharacter: While Bob-ombs, Pokeys, Shy Guys, Birdo, and (to a lesser extent) Ninji managed to find a place in the ''Mario'' franchise, most of the enemies in this game did not. This leaves plenty of them like Albatosses, Ostros, Autobombs, Beezos, Mouser, Tryclyde, Fryguy, and even the BigBad Wart feeling wasted. The fact that this game is AllJustADream doesn't help either (while ''VideoGame/BSSuperMarioUSA'' did try to retcon that, it's a very unknown game on an obscure console add-on). The only other place these enemies got to shine was ''WesternAnimation/TheSuperMarioBrosSuperShow'', with the exception of Wart (who actually does appears in another game, but said game is ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaLinksAwakening'', so that only raises questions).

* TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodCharacter: While Bob-ombs, Pokeys, Shy Guys, Birdo, and (to a lesser extent) Ninji managed to find a place in the ''Mario'' franchise, most of the enemies in this game did not. This leaves plenty of them like Albatosses, Ostros, Autobombs, Beezos, Mouser, Tryclyde, Fryguy, and even the BigBad Wart feeling wasted. The fact that this game is AllJustADream doesn't help either (while ''VideoGame/BSSuperMarioUSA'' did try to retcon that, it's a very unknown game on an obscure console add-on). It is worth noting that every enemy in this game except Wart appears in ''WesternAnimation/TheSuperMarioBrosSuperShow'' (meanwhile, Wart appears in another game, but said game is ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaLinksAwakening'', so that only raises more questions).

* VindicatedByHistory: [[http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/15/this-is-shigeru-miyamotos-favorite-mario-game In 2012]], Creator/ShigeruMiyamoto shocked many by dubbing this game as his [[CreatorPreferredAdaptation favorite]] ''Mario'' game, tied with the first ''Super Mario Bros.'' This surprise was because, while the game itself was popular during the first few years following its original release on the NES, bad word of mouth regarding its origins as a DolledUpInstallment (especially during TheNoughties) battered its reputation considerably among certain fans. General audience reaction has been kinder towards the game in the following years, partly because it is a game that breaks the formula in many ways and introduced numerous defining gameplay mechanics. In particular, modern-era games like ''VideoGame/SuperMario3DWorld'' and ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountryTropicalFreeze'' were inspired by it, [[https://www.usgamer.net/articles/25-years-later-the-spirit-of-super-mario-bros-2-looms-large-at-e3 which has been noticed positively]]. The BrokenBase surrounding the modern 2D ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros'' titles (particularly the 2012 games released for [[VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros2 3DS]] and [[VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBrosU Wii U]]), contributes to this as well. The previous fan criticisms of it being a DolledUpInstallment have also withered, under the fact that very few of Nintendo's titles start out as belonging to this franchise or that, so this game isn't some special case; their standard method of creating has typically been to come up with an interesting concept, ''then'' figure out which IP it fits into the best (this even applies to the original ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros1''!). Nintendo themselves also never treated this game as some sort of black sheep, always acknowledging that it was originally conceived as a ''Mario''-style game made by the team that made ''Mario'' games now part of the franchise proper, and implementing various elements from it to newer entries of the series as early as ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros3''.

* VindicatedByHistory: [[http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/15/this-is-shigeru-miyamotos-favorite-mario-game In 2012]], Creator/ShigeruMiyamoto shocked many by dubbing this game as his [[CreatorPreferredAdaptation favorite]] ''Mario'' game, tied with the first ''Super Mario Bros.'' This surprise was because, while the game itself was popular during the first few years following its original release on the NES, bad word of mouth regarding its origins as a DolledUpInstallment (especially during TheNoughties) battered its reputation considerably among certain fans. General audience reaction has been kinder towards the game in the following years, partly because it is a game that breaks the formula in many ways and introduced numerous defining gameplay mechanics. In particular, modern-era games like ''VideoGame/SuperMario3DWorld'' and ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountryTropicalFreeze'' were inspired by it, [[https://www.usgamer.net/articles/25-years-later-the-spirit-of-super-mario-bros-2-looms-large-at-e3 which has been noticed positively]]. The BrokenBase surrounding the modern 2D ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros'' titles (particularly the 2012 games released for [[VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros2 3DS]] and [[VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBrosU Wii U]]), contributes to this as well. The previous fan criticisms of it being a DolledUpInstallment have also withered, under the fact that very few of Nintendo's titles start out as belonging to this franchise or that, so this game isn't some special case; their standard method of creating has typically been to come up with an interesting concept, ''then'' figure out which IP it fits into the best. Nintendo themselves also never treated this game as some sort of black sheep, always acknowledging that it was originally conceived as a ''Mario''-style game made by the team that made ''Mario'' games now part of the franchise proper, and implementing various elements from it to newer entries of the series as early as ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros3''.

** "Did you know that ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros2'' was originally a different game called ''VideoGame/DokiDokiPanic''?"[[labelnote:Explanation]]This fact, while once considered a legitimately interesting and scarcely-discussed piece of ''Mario''-series trivia, ended up becoming the subject of backlash in the late 2010s and early 2020s thanks to how damn-near every video game-related trivia outlet and know-it-all fan kept repeating it as if it was still a hugely obscure fact, even after the info was spread so heavily that it became CommonKnowledge. As a result, it's often now brought up mockingly as a way of making fun of those who still treat it as obscure information, as well as in response to other reiterations of once-obscure but now well-documented pieces of trivia about popular video games. When this detail needs to be brought up unironically, it is common to start with something along the lines of "In case you ''[[PopCulturalOsmosisFailure somehow]]'' don't know this..."; whereas people looking for some actual trivia now tend to bring up the fact that the game actually started life as a ''Mario'' prototype and thus technically always had some ''Mario'' in its history. So, ironically enough, "''Super Mario 2''/''USA'' has always been a Mario game" has become the new obscure trivia of choice.[[/labelnote]]

* SeinfeldIsUnfunny: While the AllJustADream ending is a bit clichéd, the game was one of the first to have any kind of TwistEnding in a time when {{Excuse Plot}}s were the norm. Also, having various playable characters each with different abilities was hardly seen back when it was released (and to an extent it's still somewhat rare, at least in this franchise).

** Once the west caught wind about [[DolledUpInstallment what the game]] [[VideoGame/DokiDokiPanic actually was]], a somewhat sizable debate began on whether or not this change was a good idea, or if it made the game worse in retrospect. Some feel that they were essentially lied to about the game being a sequel to ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros1'', and wished that ''[[VideoGame/SuperMarioBrosTheLostLevels The Lost Levels]]'' got released in the US proper instead. Others argue that Nintendo was [[NetworkToTheRescue more than right]] with their reasoning that ''Lost Levels'' was too hard for the American market at the time, and reskinning a game that was originally conceived as a ''Mario''-style game made by the team that made ''Mario'' games that would also have otherwise been lost to time was a smart compromise.

** Peach's hovering ability. Don't have to worry about risky jumps jumping on disappearing logs when you her ability to jump and just levitate over them.

** ''Lost Levels'' has had the reputation of being one of the most difficult Mario games ever made, however several gamers (mostly on Twitch) who play ''Lost Levels'' and then America's Mario 2 have commented that ''this'' game is more difficult due to having very different game mechanics that are unusual for a Mario game, and take getting used to, as well as several levels being non-linear, and more enimies actively trying to kill you (as opposed to just walking around aimlessly).

** ''Lost Levels'' has had the reputation of being one of the most difficult Mario games ever made, however several gamers (mostly on Twitch) who play ''Lost Levels'' and then America's Mario 2 have commented that ''this'' game is more difficult due to having very different game mechanics that are unusual for a Mario game, and take getting used to, as well as several levels being non-linear.

** Blue Pansers are rare, but they shoot flames in an arc and they move around unlike their red and green cousins.

** Once the west caught wind about [[DolledUpInstallment what the game]] [[VideoGame/DokiDokiPanic actually was]], a somewhat sizable debate began on whether or not this change was a good idea, or if it made the game worse in retrospect. Some feel that they were essentially lied to about the game being a sequel to ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros1'', and wished that ''[[VideoGame/SuperMarioBrosTheLostLevels The Lost Levels]]'' got released in the US proper instead. Others argue that Nintendo was [[NetworkToTheRescue more than right]] with their reasoning that ''Lost Levels'' was too hard for the American market at the time, mostly too similar to the original, and reskinning a game that was originally conceived as a ''Mario''-style game made by the team that made ''Mario'' games that would also have otherwise been lost to time was a smart compromise.

* AntiClimaxBoss: The FinalBoss Wart is relatively straightforward, in contrast to the previous end-world bosses encountered. His projectile pattern is very easy to figure out, and all you need to do is hit him with a turnip a few times, and those who find ''that'' too difficult can just jump behind him and avoid his projectiles entirely. Said turnips are helpfully provided by a [[BossArenaIdiocy machine in the same room]]. He's even more pathetic in the [[VideoGame/DokiDokiPanic original game]], as he only has 4 HP instead of 6 and has an easier pattern of projectiles to dodge.

* SeinfeldIsUnfunny: While the AllJustADream ending is a bit clichéd, the game was one of the first to have any kind of TwistEnding in a time when {{Excuse Plot}}s were the norm. Having various playable characters each with different abilities was hardly seen back when it was released (and to an extent it's still somewhat rare, at least in this franchise).

* ContestedSequel: Among fans, this game is one of two things: a very different but fun ''Mario'' game that deserves its status in the series as a classic and which is generally considered at least more forgiving and enjoyable than the [[ItsHardSoItSucks sadistic]] ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBrosTheLostLevels'', or a lazy [[GameMod ROM hack]] of an unrelated Japanese game that, while good, [[FanonDiscontinuity doesn't belong in the franchise]].

** Averted with ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros2'' [[InNameOnly in terms of similar titles]] ([[MissionPackSequel though ironically it's certainly one to the Japanese one, ''The Lost Levels'']]). ''VideoGame/SuperMario3DWorld'', on the other hand, is this trope, minus any vegetables.

* VindicatedByHistory: [[http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/15/this-is-shigeru-miyamotos-favorite-mario-game In 2012]], Creator/ShigeruMiyamoto shocked many by dubbing this game as his [[CreatorPreferredAdaptation favorite]] ''Mario'' game, tied with the first ''Super Mario Bros.'' This surprise was because, while the game itself was popular during the first few years following its original release on the NES, bad word of mouth regarding its origins as a DolledUpInstallment (especially during TheNoughties) battered its reputation considerably among certain fans. General audience reaction has been kinder towards the game in the following years, partly because it is a game that breaks the formula in many ways and introduced numerous defining gameplay mechanics. In particular, modern-era games like ''VideoGame/SuperMario3DWorld'' and ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountryTropicalFreeze'' were inspired by it, [[https://www.usgamer.net/articles/25-years-later-the-spirit-of-super-mario-bros-2-looms-large-at-e3 which has been noticed positively]]. The BrokenBase surrounding the modern 2D ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros'' titles (particularly the 2012 games released for [[VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros2 3DS]] and [[VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBrosU Wii U]]), contributes to this as well. The previous fan criticisms of it being a DolledUpInstallment have also withered, under the fact that very few of Nintendo's titles start out as belonging to this franchise or that, so this game isn't some special case; their standard method of creating has typically been to come up with an interesting concept, ''then'' figure out which IP it fits into the best. Nintendo themselves also never treated this game as some sort of black sheep, always acknowledging that it was originally conceived as a ''Mario''-style game made by the team that made ''Mario'' games now part of the franchise proper, and implementing various elements to newer entries of the series.

* BizarroEpisode: The biggest example in the franchise, being a reskin of a game that had nothing to do with the franchise, though it was still in its infancy and it originally conceived as a ''Mario''-style game and was made by the same team that made ''Mario'' games. Mario must liberate a land that isn't the Mushroom Kingdom from a villain that isn't Bowser; Toad and Princess Toadstool[[note]]Back when it was first released in America, she hadn't updated to her original Japanese name of Peach yet[[/note]] are playable; you kill enemies by uprooting and throwing vegetables (or picking up and throwing other enemies) at them instead of stomping them; there are no Goombas, Koopas, Bullet Bills, or Hammer Bros. as enemies. Blocks and Fire Flowers don't exist; most enemies and items introduced in this game don't come back in future installments; there is [[TakeYourTime no time limit]]; and the game turns out to be AllJustADream in the end, something no other ending in a ''Mario'' game does.

* ContestedSequel: Among fans, this game is one of two things: a very different but fun ''Mario'' game that deserves its status in the series as a classic and which is generally considered at least more forgiving and enjoyable than the [[ItsHardSoItSucks sadistic]] ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBrosTheLostLevels'', or a lazy [[GameMod ROM hack]] of an unrelated Japanese game ([[CommonKnowledge though it was originally conceived as a ''Mario''-style game made by the team that made ''Mario'' games]]) that, while good, [[FanonDiscontinuity doesn't belong in the franchise]].

* FanonDiscontinuity: To this day, there are fans who still refuse to accept the game as a part of the ''Mario'' series, even after its elements (such as Shy Guys, Bob-Ombs, Ninjis, and Pokeys) were integrated into ''Mario'' canon and ''Doki Doki Panic'' was revealed to have been originally conceived as a ''Mario''-style game made by the same team that made ''Mario'' games.

** The POW block and Starman cameos in ''Doki Doki Panic'', which were present before the game was adapted into a ''Mario'' game - or, rather, ''re''-adapted (as it was originally conceived as a ''Mario''-style game made by the same team that made ''Mario'' games). Also, few people know that the Spark enemies were already in a ''Mario''-related game beforehand (''Donkey Kong Jr.'')

** "Did you know that ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros2'' was originally a different game called ''VideoGame/DokiDokiPanic''?"[[labelnote:Explanation]]This fact, while once considered a legitimately interesting and scarcely-discussed piece of ''Mario''-series trivia, ended up becoming the subject of backlash in the late 2010s and early 2020s thanks to how damn-near every video game-related trivia outlet and know-it-all fan kept repeating it as if it was still a hugely obscure fact, even after the info was spread so heavily that it became common knowledge, [[CommonKnowledge though there are still those who get some stuff wrong]]. As a result, it's often now brought up mockingly as a way of making fun of those who still treat it as obscure information, as well as in response to other reiterations of once-obscure but now well-documented pieces of trivia about popular video games. When this detail needs to be brought up unironically, it is common to start with something along the lines of "In case you ''[[PopCulturalOsmosisFailure somehow]]'' don't know this..."; whereas people looking for some actual trivia now tend to bring up the fact that the game actually started life as a ''Mario'' prototype and thus technically always had some ''Mario'' in its history. So, ironically enough, "''Super Mario 2''/''USA'' has always been a Mario game" has become the new obsure trivia of choice.[[/labelnote]]

* PolishedPort: The game is much better than its original ''Doki Doki Panic'' incarnation thanks to some touched up animations, the added ability to run, extensions to the soundtrack pieces, and the [[FakeLongevity removal of the requirements for the true ending]]. The only thing lost in the conversion was the save feature, which the ''All-Stars'' and ''Advance'' versions restores.
** ''Super Mario Advance'' is certainly this. Difficulty drop aside, the game introduced the Score and scoring mechanics to make it feel even more like a traditional ''Mario'' games, new enemies and a new boss (Robirdo), voice acting, a newly added post-game in the Yoshi Challenge, and many bug fixes and QoL improvements.

* SequelDifficultyDrop: The game is less difficult than the first ''Super Mario Bros.'', in contrast to the Japanese ''Super Mario Bros. 2'' which is far harder than both. This also applies for later versions: ''All-Stars'' is a lot easier compared to the original version as you have infinite continues and can save, and ''Advance'' is even easier due to the numerous floating hearts, random large enemies that drop hearts when you throw them, and you can still save. The levels themselves aren't any easier, though.

** Averted with ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros2'' [[InNameOnly in terms of similar titles]] ([[MissionPackSequel though ironically it's certainly one to the Japanese one, The Lost Levels]]). ''VideoGame/SuperMario3DWorld'', on the other hand, is this trope, minus any vegetables. ''VideoGame/SuperMarioRun'', as well to a lesser extent, as like ''VideoGame/SuperMario3DWorld'', the game features various playable characters each with different abilities and Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad retain their abilities introduced in this game.

* VindicatedByHistory: [[http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/15/this-is-shigeru-miyamotos-favorite-mario-game In 2012]], Creator/ShigeruMiyamoto shocked many by dubbing this game as his [[CreatorPreferredAdaptation favorite]] ''Mario'' game, tied with the first ''Super Mario Bros.'' This surprise was because, while the game itself was popular during the first few years following its original release on the NES, bad word of mouth regarding its origins as a DolledUpInstallment (especially during TheNoughties) battered its reputation considerably among certain fans. General audience reaction has been kinder towards the game in the following years, partly because it is a game that breaks the formula in many ways and introduced numerous defining gameplay mechanics. In particular, modern-era games like ''VideoGame/SuperMario3DWorld'' and ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountryTropicalFreeze'' were inspired by it, [[https://www.usgamer.net/articles/25-years-later-the-spirit-of-super-mario-bros-2-looms-large-at-e3 which has been noticed positively]]. The BrokenBase surrounding the modern 2D ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros'' titles (particularly the 2012 games released for [[VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros2 3DS]] and [[VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBrosU Wii U]]), contributes to this as well. The previous fan criticisms of it being a DolledUpInstallment have also withered, under the fact that very few of Nintendo's titles start out as belonging to this franchise or that, so this game isn't some special case; their standard method of creating has typically been to come up with an interesting concept, ''then'' figure out which IP it fits into the best. Nintendo themselves also never treated this game as some sort of black sheep, always acknowledging that it was originally conceived as a ''Mario''-style game made by the team that made ''Mario'' games now part of the franchise proper, and although it hasn't received a direct follow up, elements from it were happily added in future games as early as ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros3'' (which added Bob-Ombs) and ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld'' (which added Ninjis) before the game was even released in Japan as ''Super Mario USA'' in 1992 and afterwards even making a pseudo-sequel for ''Japan only'' after the game proved to be a success there as well in ''VideoGame/BSSuperMarioUSA'', with its legacy only continuing further in later games such as ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld2YoshisIsland'', ''VideoGame/SuperMario3DWorld'' and ''VideoGame/SuperMarioRun''.

* VindicatedByHistory: [[http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/15/this-is-shigeru-miyamotos-favorite-mario-game In 2012]], Creator/ShigeruMiyamoto shocked many by dubbing this game as his [[CreatorPreferredAdaptation favorite]] ''Mario'' game, tied with the first ''Super Mario Bros.'' This surprise was because, while the game itself was popular during the first few years following its original release on the NES, bad word of mouth regarding its origins as a DolledUpInstallment (especially during TheNoughties) battered its reputation considerably among certain fans. General audience reaction has been kinder towards the game in the following years, partly because it is a game that breaks the formula in many ways and introduced numerous defining gameplay mechanics. In particular, modern-era games like ''VideoGame/SuperMario3DWorld'' and ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountryTropicalFreeze'' were inspired by it, [[https://www.usgamer.net/articles/25-years-later-the-spirit-of-super-mario-bros-2-looms-large-at-e3 which has been noticed positively]]. The BrokenBase surrounding the modern 2D ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros'' titles (particularly the 2012 games released for [[VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros2 3DS]] and [[VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBrosU Wii U]]), contributes to this as well. The previous fan criticisms of it being a DolledUpInstallment have also withered, under the fact that very few of Nintendo's titles start out as belonging to this franchise or that, so this game isn't some special case; their standard method of creating has typically been to come up with an interesting concept, ''then'' figure out which IP it fits into the best. Nintendo themselves also never treated this game as some sort of black sheep, always acknowledging that it was originally conceived as a ''Mario''-style game made by the team that made ''Mario'' games now part of the franchise proper, and although it hasn't received a direct follow up, elements from it were happily added in future games as early as ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros3'' (which added Bob-Ombs) and ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld'' (which added Ninjis) before the game was even released in Japan as ''Super Mario USA'' in 1992, with its legacy only continuing further in later games such as ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld2YoshisIsland'', ''VideoGame/SuperMario3DWorld'' and ''VideoGame/SuperMarioRun''.

* BizarroEpisode: The biggest example in the franchise. It being a reskin of a game that had nothing to do with the franchise, even in its infancy, didn't help. Mario must liberate a land that isn't the Mushroom Kingdom from a villain that isn't Bowser; Toad and Princess Toadstool[[note]]In America, she hadn't updated to her original Japanese name of Peach yet[[/note]] are playable; you kill enemies by uprooting and throwing vegetables (or picking up and throwing other enemies) at them instead of stomping them; there are no Goombas, Koopas, Bullet Bills, or Hammer Bros. as enemies. Blocks and Fire Flowers don't exist; most enemies and items introduced in this game don't come back in future installments; there is [[TakeYourTime no time limit]]; and the game turns out to be AllJustADream in the end, something no other ending in a ''Mario'' game does.

** Once the west caught wind about [[DolledUpInstallment what the game]] [[VideoGame/DokiDokiPanic actually was]], a somewhat sizable debate began on whether or not this change was a good idea, or if it made the game worse in retrospect. Some feel that they were essentially lied to about the game being a sequel to ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros1'', and wished that ''[[VideoGame/SuperMarioBrosTheLostLevels The Lost Levels]]'' got released in the US proper instead. Others argue that Nintendo was [[NetworkToTheRescue more than right]] with their reasoning that ''Lost Levels'' was too hard for the American market at the time, and reskinning a game that would have otherwise been lost to time was a smart compromise.

* ContestedSequel: Among fans, this game is one of two things: a very different but fun ''Mario'' game that deserves its status in the series as a classic and which is generally considered at least more forgiving and enjoyable than the [[ItsHardSoItSucks sadistic]] ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBrosTheLostLevels'', or a lazy [[GameMod ROM hack]] of an unrelated Japanese game that, while good, [[FanonDiscontinuity doesn't belong in the franchise]].

* FanonDiscontinuity: To this day, there are fans who still refuse to accept the game as a part of the ''Mario'' series, even after its elements (such as Shy Guys, Ninjis, and Pokeys) were integrated into ''Mario'' canon and ''Doki Doki Panic'' was revealed to have been originally conceived as a ''Mario''-style game.

** {{Giant|Mook}} Shyguys and Ninjis, who drop small hearts when thrown, making them an easy source of health should you find yourself taking too much damage.

** The POW block and Starman cameos in ''Doki Doki Panic'', which were present before the game was adapted into a ''Mario'' game - or, rather, ''re''-adapted. Also, few people know that the Spark enemies were already in a ''Mario''-related game beforehand (''Donkey Kong Jr.'')

* ItsEasySoItSucks: The Game Boy Advance port really scaled down the difficulty as 1-ups are everywhere. Its easy to amass 40-50 extra lives by the time you reach world 4, and that's without grinding for them. Hearts to restore health are also far more abundant than they were previously, and can be generated an infinite amount of times by new giant enemies.

** "Did you know that ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros2'' was originally a different game called ''VideoGame/DokiDokiPanic''?"[[labelnote:Explanation]]This fact, while once considered a legitimately interesting and scarcely-discussed piece of ''Mario''-series trivia, ended up becoming the subject of backlash in the late 2010s and early 2020s thanks to how damn-near every video game-related trivia outlet and know-it-all fan kept repeating it as if it was still a hugely obscure fact, even after the info was spread so heavily that it became common knowledge. As a result, it's often now brought up mockingly as a way of making fun of those who still treat it as obscure information, as well as in response to other reiterations of once-obscure but now well-documented pieces of trivia about popular video games. When this detail needs to be brought up unironically, it is common to start with something along the lines of "In case you ''[[PopCulturalOsmosisFailure somehow]]'' don't know this..."; whereas people looking for some actual trivia now tend to bring up the fact that the game actually started life as a ''Mario'' prototype and thus technically always had some ''Mario'' in its history. So, ironically enough, "''Super Mario 2''/''USA'' has always been a Mario game" has become the new obsure trivia of choice.[[/labelnote]]

* PolishedPort: The game is much better than its original ''Doki Doki Panic'' incarnation thanks to some touched up animations, the added ability to run, extensions to the soundtrack pieces, and the removal of the requirements for the true ending. The only thing lost in the conversion was the save feature, which the ''All-Stars'' version fixes.

* SeinfeldIsUnfunny: While the AllJustADream ending is a bit clichéd, the game was one of the first to have any kind of TwistEnding in a time when {{Excuse Plot}}s were the norm.
* SophomoreSlump: Few people would call it a bad game, but where the original was the {{Trope Maker|s}} for the platformer genre and the next game is often ranked among the greatest games in history, ''2'' is mostly just considered to be a good game.

** Averted with ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros2'' [[InNameOnly in terms of similar titles]]. ''VideoGame/SuperMario3DWorld'', on the other hand, is this trope, minus any vegetables.

* VindicatedByHistory: [[http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/15/this-is-shigeru-miyamotos-favorite-mario-game In 2012]], Creator/ShigeruMiyamoto shocked many by dubbing this game as his [[CreatorPreferredAdaptation favorite]] ''Mario'' game, tied with the first ''Super Mario Bros.'' This surprise was because, while the game itself was popular during the first few years following its original release on the NES, bad word of mouth regarding its origins as a DolledUpInstallment (especially during TheNoughties) battered its reputation considerably. General audience reaction has been kinder towards the game in the following years, partly because it is a game that breaks the formula in many ways and introduced numerous defining gameplay mechanics. In particular, modern-era games like ''VideoGame/SuperMario3DWorld'' and ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountryTropicalFreeze'' were inspired by it, [[https://www.usgamer.net/articles/25-years-later-the-spirit-of-super-mario-bros-2-looms-large-at-e3 which has been noticed positively]]. The BrokenBase surrounding the modern 2D ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros'' titles (the 2012 games released for [[VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros2 3DS]] and [[VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBrosU Wii U]] especially), contributes to this as well. The previous criticisms of it being a DolledUpInstallment have also withered, under the fact that very few of Nintendo's titles start out as belonging to this franchise or that, so this game isn't some special case; their standard method of creating has typically been to come up with an interesting concept, ''then'' figure out which IP it fits into the best.

* TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodCharacter: While Bob-ombs, Pokeys, Shy Guys, Birdo, and (to a lesser extent) Ninji managed to find a place in the ''Mario'' franchise, most of the enemies in this game did not. This leaves plenty of them like Albatosses, Ostros, Autobombs, Beezos, Mouser, Tryclyde, Fryguy, and even the BigBad Wart feeling wasted. The fact that this game is AllJustADream doesn't help either (while ''VideoGame/BSSuperMarioUSA'' did try to retcon that, it's a very unknown game on an obscure console add-on). It is worth noting that pretty much every enemy in this game except Wart appears in ''WesternAnimation/TheSuperMarioBrosSuperShow'' (meanwhile, Wart appears in another game, but said game is ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaLinksAwakening'', so that only raises more questions).

* TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodCharacter: Because of the game being AllJustADream, the enemies who weren't carried over into later games are seen as such because of not being reintroduced into modern gaming. As such, this leaves unique characters like Albatosses, Ostros, Autobombs, Beezos, and bosses like Mouser, Tryclyde, Fryguy, and even the BigBad Wart as wasted. Granted, ''VideoGame/BSSuperMarioUSA'' attempts to {{subvert|ed trope}} this by establishing that Subcon is RealAfterAll, but considering it's a very unknown game on an obscure console add-on, most people aren't aware of this fact, leaving the Subcon Army in limbo.

** The overworld music is frequently used as background music for text-to-speech youtube videos. For instance, the infamous VideoGame/MoonbaseAlpha [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv6RbEOlqRo video]], or [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwKclhWlo-0 this video]] featuring Website/FourChan users wanting to do some... rather {{NSFW}} things with [[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic cartoon horses]].
** [[LetsPlay/{{Videogamedunkey}} Game of the Year goes to]] '''''[[VideoGame/SuperMarioBros2 SUPER MARIO BROS. 2!]] [[NoIndoorVoice SUPER MARIO BROS. 2! SUPER MARIO BROS. 2! STILL THE KING BABY!!!]]'''''
** "Did you know that ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros2'' was originally a different game called ''VideoGame/DokiDokiPanic''?"[[labelnote:Explanation]]This fact, while once considered a legitimately interesting and scarcely-discussed piece of ''Mario''-series trivia, ended up becoming the subject of backlash in the late 2010s and early 2020s thanks to how damn-near every video game-related trivia outlet and know-it-all fan kept repeating it as if it was still a hugely obscure fact, even after the info was spread so heavily that it became common knowledge. As a result, it's often now brought up mockingly as a way of making fun of those who still treat it as obscure information, as well as in response to other reiterations of once-obscure but now well-documented pieces of trivia about popular video games. Even those that still mention this detail usually start with something along the lines of "In case you ''[[PopCulturalOsmosisFailure somehow]]'' don't know this..."[[/labelnote]][[labelnote:Ironically...]] While this piece of trivia has become so well known that it's considered one of ''the'' most well known things about the game, the fact that it actually started life as a Mario prototype and, technically, always had some Mario in its history that "Super Mario 2/USA has always been a Mario game" has become the new obsure trivia of choice.[[/labelnote]]
** Jokes involving ''VisualNovel/DokiDokiLiteratureClub'' aren't uncommon, many jokingly saying it's somehow related to ''Super Mario Bros. 2''.

* AntiClimaxBoss: The FinalBoss Wart is relatively straightforward, in contrast to the previous end-world bosses encountered. His projectile pattern is very easy to figure out, and all you need to do is hit him with a turnip a few times, and those who find ''that'' too difficult can just jump behind him and avoid his projectiles entirely. Said turnips are helpfully provided by a [[BossArenaIdiocy machine in the same room]]. He's even more pathetic in the [[VideoGame/DokiDokiPanic original game]], as he only has 4 HP instead of 6.

** Bob-Ombs, when uprooted, often have an extremely short fuse, damaging you if you don't throw them in time.
** Blue Pansers. They shoot flames in an arc and they move around unlike their red and green cousins.

* DifficultySpike: Depending on whether or not 3-3 is difficult for you, this either happens there or in 4-2, a level with a very hard to find fourth mushroom, ZergRush Beezos BEFORE you get to the third mushroom, and some annoying platforming involving an Autobomb, not to mention fighting Birdo on ice. The difficulty spikes again in 5-3 with an area overflowing with enemies plus a tough climb up inside a tree. Then you have to fight Clawgrip, who is one of the tougher bosses.

* GoodBadBugs: If you're having problems with [[FinalBoss Wart]], this exploit could help. The goal is to stuff vegetables down his throat when his mouth is open--which you can do when you get behind him, where you're (mostly) safe from his attacks. This should be impossible given the angle, but it's not. Even better, Wart won't even turn around to rectify this oversight, and will instead [[ArtificialStupidity act as if you are still in front of him]].

** Mouser. He constantly moves/jumps around, and if he moves just a ''little'' too far away from a bomb before it goes off, it won't hurt him. You only have so much time to pick up a bomb he threw and throw it back at him before it hurts ''you'' instead, while ''also'' being conscious of the various other bombs littered around. Oh, and not only is he the first boss of the game, you have to fight him a ''second'' time in World 3 (World 6 in the GBA version).
** Clawgrip. He throws lightning-fast rocks that aren't always guaranteed to slow down enough before going down a pit. Good luck getting past him with Princess or Luigi. Fun fact: Clawgrip was introduced in ''Super Mario Bros. 2'' proper as a replacement for ''Doki Doki Panic''[='=]s third Mouser boss, which was considered even ''more difficult''.[[note]]The third Mouser fight gave him even more HP and the room had spikes on the floor.[[/note]]
** Fryguy. Constantly sweeps around his room raining fireballs and delivers a deadly KaizoTrap to those players used to defeating bosses hitting three times. Fryguy [[AsteroidsMonster splits into four smaller versions of itself]], and the more ones you kill, the ones remaining get faster. You're more likely to get swarmed and taken out by the smaller Fryguys than the lone big one.

** Related to the above, jokes involving ''VisualNovel/DokiDokiLiteratureClub'' aren't uncommon, many jokingly saying it's somehow related to ''Super Mario Bros. 2''.

** "Did you know that ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros2'' was originally a different game called ''VideoGame/DokiDokiPanic''?"[[labelnote:Explanation]]This fact, while once considered a legitimately interesting and scarcely-discussed piece of ''Mario''-series trivia, ended up becoming the subject of backlash in the late 2010s and early 2020s thanks to how damn-near every video game-related trivia outlet and know-it-all fan kept repeating it as if it was still a hugely obscure fact, even after the info was spread so heavily that it became common knowledge. As a result, it's often now brought up mockingly as a way of making fun of those who still treat it as obscure information, as well as in response to other reiterations of once-obscure but now well-documented pieces of trivia about popular video games. Even those that still mention this detail usually start with something along the lines of "In case you ''somehow'' don't know this..."[[/labelnote]][[labelnote:Ironically...]] While this piece of trivia has become so well known that it's considered one of ''the'' most well known things about the game, the fact that it actually started life as a Mario prototype and, technically, always had some Mario in its history that "Super Mario 2/USA has always been a Mario game" has become the new obsure trivia of choice.[[/labelnote]]